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David Archuleta Wikipedia

David James Archuleta (born December 28, 1990) is an American singer-songwriter and actor. At ten years old, he won the children's division of the Utah Talent Competition leading to other television singing appearances.[6] When he was twelve years old, Archuleta became the Junior Vocal Champion on Star Search 2.[6] In 2007, at sixteen years old, he became one of the youngest contestants on the seventh season of American Idol.[7] In May 2008 he finished as the runner-up, receiving 44 percent of over 97 million votes.

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KRAKATOA IN RANCAGUA ~ My Second Trip to Chile ~ David Archuleta

Translated from Spanish to English by Djafan. Scroll down for Spanish version below.

This second trip to Chile didn’t start two weeks before October 13th, it started July 15th, the day of the first Devotional. That day I saw the announcement on the temple doors that said “Pop Concert with Elders Coello and Archuleta.” That day I began to plan my second trip to Chile.

The pop concert announcement on facebook listed the age and residence restrictions in order to attend. The message was clear, only singles between 18 and 30 years of age and you had to live in Rancagua. As time passed my prayers for a miracle became more intense. I knew I had 3 months to try everything and I did.

Every institution whether commercial or religious is like a pyramid, there is always someone at the head, the one in charge. So I sent an email to the head in August. I told them the truth about my age, where I live and who I planned to attend with. I immediately received an autoreply in acknowledgement. August ended, September came and went and it was now October. I filled out the registration form on Rancagua Jas Center Facebook page. I hadn’t received a confirmation and was feeling down but remembered that David says that good things come to those who wait. I tried but I was getting anxious.

One Friday afternoon I wrote to the Rancagua Jas Center on their facebook’s chat to initiate a conversation. I asked if the confirmation system was having problems and they said yes but not to worry they would be sending out confirmations shortly. I thanked them and told them I would be waiting impatiently. They asked for my information and told them they said I didn’t meet the requirements. (my heart has very little resistance since I saw David live). I told them I was aware but since I had gone to the previous Devotional I thought there would be a possibility to attend this concert too.

This person then introduced themselves as the one in charge of …. (this is confidential) I apologized and began addressing him/her as Mr. He said he was sorry that an exception couldn’t be made in my case because if they did they’d have to make one for all the emails they’d received from all over South America.

My heart was torn. I told them that miracles exist and that I was expecting a huge one. I said goodbye and told anyone who would listen my woes.

I think I must cry very loud because every time I would approach someone they’d cover their ears, I think my cries could be heard on the other side of the continent. It was a sad week but something kept telling me, Gladiola, miracles exist. You may not believe this but I knew I’d see David again and that this time it would be different. October 4th was my birthday and made a wish and on the 5th it came to pass.

That day I received an email, remember the head of the pyramid?

“We have received your registration, you are welcomed to attend by special invitation. We will be expecting you on October 13th”

It was signed by the person in charge and there was no question about it, I was invited.

Could you imagine my screams? Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!! I’m going to Chile, I’m going Chile!!!!!! And it began again, the plane, hotel, reservations and finally David. As you read you will see that this time it was different.

◊◊◊

I’ve taken a few days to sort all these ideas and images which are still bouncing around in my head. Maybe nobody has noticed, but in a place in Chile, in a town called Rancagua, specifically Jas Center, the earth moved. I don’t know to what degree, but it happened, I witnessed it. It was caused by David and three actions that are hazardous to the public health. He shadow boxed, sang and knelt in front of the stage wearing a white hat like Chaplin wore, he danced Salsa a la Celia Cruz, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

But that was not the worst of it. Several of us lost our jaws as they dropped from our mouths hanging open. (I almost lost a rib going after the hat David threw to the public!!! Silly me!!!!, fighting over a hat at my age)

Now that my head and mind are rested I can put what I lived through on October 13 beginning at 7:30pm all on paper. I just hope that my words are faithful to all the events of that day. I’ve decided to welcome the person that changed right before my eyes.

LONG LIVE THE NEW DAVID.

My Arrival

My arrival was somewhat tumultuous. I arrived at Chile late, at noon (left Buenos Aires on October 13, at 7.35 am, with a stop in a province of my country). My hotel reservation was not firm. The buses to Rancagua were due out after 4:5pm in the afternoon for a two hour trip. The event as everyone knows is on Greece Street #319 and the bus left me at 800 . If someone in Chile says that they saw a lady running 5 blocks and praying that the hands of the clock not advance beyond 6.45pm, yes, that was me.

When I arrived the door was closed; I felt a knot in my stomach. A man approached me and told me, “Welcome to our Center!” He opened the door and there were people already waiting in the hall. He told me to take a seat, that they’d be calling me soon because they first accommodated the people who had signed up, like me.

When my turn came, I approached the table where we were to check in. I said say my name but I was surprised that it wasn’t on the list. The lady in charge told me I had to fill out a form and wait to enter. I insisted that I had been invited, but she spoke to me in English and I was desperate. I remembered I had printed the email sent to me by President McKinley and showed it to her. She called over a Chilean member and she understood me. When she saw my name she said, “Ahhhhhhh you’re Gladys from Argentina, come with me.” She took me to another larger room and sat me in the 4th row. As we walked I told her I had pleaded for a seat, she smiled and said, “I know, we know you.!!!!” What a relief!!!

The entire row was empty so I chose the best seat with no one covering my view. I had a direct view of the stage, I was in paradise. I could see two pianos arranged forming an L. I think one was an organ. Then came a group and they sat all around me, I was in center. One said, “Lady could you move a little so we could sit together?” I said, “NO” and I think that startled them, hahaha. It was a definite no. (Remember I ran 5 blocks.)

The Wait

The room was large. It had ten chairs on each side with an aisle in the middle and 20 rows back. The place gradually filled up and bustle was getting louder. The stage was small. There were two pianos, a microphone stand and a music stand. They had arranged screens on the sides of the stage. They were showing different images while we waited. They showed a bullfighter and I remembered David dressed as bullfighter in blue. I think running does me good; it accelerates my memory.

A young man stood before the microphone and told us we could not take pictures or videos, no screaming, okay to applaud. He spoke of the activities of the Center and invited everyone to participate. He then asked us to say a prayer together. After the prayer he left and the same presenter from July 15 appeared. He made some jokes about whether to sing or not, but said that he left that to the talented.

He greeted President McKinley, welcomed us all and told us to enjoy the event. He introduced Elders, Archuleta and Coello.

Elder Coello took the stage and sat at the piano. He played a beautiful song called Granada. I was amazed at his piano skills, he could be the perfect companion for David in the future. And then ……..

DAVID

Elder Coello introduced David. He came with a big smile, said hello, took the microphone and started to sing “You Raise Me Up” in English. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Someone said that David just has to open his mouth and he has us in the palm of his hand, they were right. It had been so long since I’d seen him, my God, how I had missed him. Seeing him there so close singing that beautiful song, he hardly closed his eyes, he looked at us and he looked so happy.

When he finished the crowd cheered and screamed as David left the stage. Then a member of the church said that only applause please, to remember where we were.

He reminded us and I think he was right. This was no place for screaming. So we complied … for a while.

(With great joy I can tell you that I have received the list of each of the interpretations sung by Elder Archuleta and Coello. They’ll be listed below.)

Then Elder Coello played a beautiful melody.

David made his appearance again with a completely clean and refreshed face. He had a hymnal in his hand and sang two hymns in perfect Spanish. Again David was in a world of his own. His eyes closed and totally connected. When he finished he placed the hymnal on the floor. David took the microphone and approached the center of the stage and began to speak. It was not a speech. It was something he had to share. He said he felt comfortable in Chile, that the decision to do this mission had come from his heart. That he loved what he was doing and loved music. That it had been a very difficult decision to make, but he knew he had to.

David then sang “What a Wonderful World.” Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that David would sing this song. My dad loved Louis Armstrong. I still have his records. David sang the final note, yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhh, the way the Great Satchmo ended the song. I hope someone knows what I’m talking about. David smiled all the time while looking at us; I think he was watching our reactions. I was on the edge of my seat trying to be a sponge. I wanted to absorb every detail, every little movement, every smile. At the end of the song he said, “Thank you” and we all applauded but could not quell our cries of admiration.

David left the stage and Elder Coello continued on the piano with three performances. Waltzes and I think Viennese. I’d never heard a pianist like him, he was incredible.

David returned to the stage and sang three songs, one of which was a beautiful Christian song. He then did a pop one then came two more songs that were specifically pop. Ahhh I forgot one small detail, the three songs were sung in perfect Spanish.

Our loud applause and cheers could no longer be contained. David just laughed and he looked really happy. He then sang two beautiful hymns. Then he said, “Elder Coello is a capo, right? (capo-awesome) I don’t play as well as he but I’ll play a song I really like.” He then played “A Thousand Miles” on the piano. I sang with him the entire song. It was a dream for me to hear this song for the first time live. No one could take the pleasure away from me of singing with David. Even if I was the center of some looks, I waited four years for this. And David was here, he was not facing the audience but he turned to look at us and smiled as he sang.

At the end as always he thanked us. Elder Coello played two jazz pieces, very fast, his fingers flew across the keyboard. It is incredible that David has found the perfect partner in another part of the world.

How can I explain the feeling in the air? It was like when a volcano is getting ready to erupt. You do not know when (we know where) but there is something in the air that tells us that we must prepare for shocks and the fact that it’s imminence is close .

The ERUPTION

When David reappeared he had the microphone in his hand and said that he would like to dedicate this song to a married couple who have worked (harto/hard) in organizing this concert. He looked at Mckinley’s. The first piano chords reminded me of an old tune that I had heard in a film of Al Jolson’s many years ago. It was “Rock-a-Bye Your Baby With a Dixie Melody.” David was singing a very old song. It brought me to my childhood when I was watching TV with my dad!!!!! Ohhhh David, you will always have my heart!!!

David then became a jazz singer and he moved around the stage. Suddenly he was back beside Coello. They sang a verse together both wearing white hats. David then came to center stage and began to do a little dance. He knelt as Al Jolson did and pointed towards the back. He got up and finished the song with Coello. The two of them went to the center of stage and threw their hats to the audience.

What happened to the old David? Where is he? Any David is fine with me, but this David ………… my gosh. David’s smile illuminated everything. He was so comfortable. He exuded great confidence and masculinity. The Richter scale was broken for a while. The sensations meter could be measured by looking at my seat mates, one of them had been able to catch the hat that David threw to the audience and said and I quote – “It is hot” and the other said “I’m shaking” and I thought AMEN.

(If this was something like the eruption of Krakatoa, imagine the eruption of Vesuvius in Pompeii.)

THE CALM BEFORE

To appease the ravenous beasts (us) David stood in the middle of the stage as Coello played the first chords of “Imagine.” You could hear everyone’s ohhhhhhhhh “Imagine there’s no heaven …..” I thought, I must have done something good in this life that God has gifted me this moment. (Perhaps this first verse brought confusion to believe that he sang “Heaven”). David sang the whole song, there he was, almost in front of me. It was a dream to see him sing “Imagine” live. I saw him many times on YouTube. This was truly a memorable gift.

…………………. EYE OF THE TIGER. (Deserves special mention)

If you remember the song, it has a 50-second intro with many cymbal crashes. These were the most amazing 50 seconds, more extraordinary, more revealing, more ahhhhhhhhh. David began to move his arms back, then flexing and throwing punches forward with the sound of the music. Suddenly he lifted his leg and kicked the air as if he was doing kick boxing training. He then began to sing …………….
The song has many sound effects and David acted out each of them. As he sang his voice and his body emphasized each note. His left hand was never still. It was out of this world see David completely free of shyness. The entire stage was his, he left no area untouched.

When he finished he laughed and looked toward President Mckinley and said in Spanish, “Misioneros, uhhhhh.we don’t do this, I apologize President.” I think the President was as mesmerized as us. After all this, can there be more?

By now we were in a comatose state. We thought we had seen it all but David knows no bounds. (A question, do you read or pay attention to the lyrics of this song? I do not know, but it was like he was referring to someone. It’s just a personal observation)

After this experience I think I was having an out of body experience. Hahahaha sorry, just had to say. What did David do? What could he have said???

Answering the first question, I will describe the situation. David was perspiring but he never took off or unbuttoned his jacket. Sweat was running down the side of his face and as usual he ran his hands over his face to wipe it. Then to top this off he said: “Uhhhhhhhhhhh “It’s caliente (hot). He meant that the place was very warm (hay calor). It was really warm but hot isn’t the term that is usually used. The Center was quite large and pleasant. I suppose there are situations that do not merit explanation, right??

David then sang “Hero”, the Spanish version Mariah Carey sings. He had such sweetness in his voice, caressing each note. His Spanish was perfect and he received a standing ovation and never stopped smiling.

I have no VOLCANOES NAMES left.

He asked, “Who wants to dance with me?” We all raised our hands and heard the first chords of “Life is a Carnival” by the great Celia Cruz. David started singing in Spanish!!! And started dancing!!! He did the basic steps of Salsa we know but we were all standing and clapping. Suddenly he put his other hand on his stomach and began to move and laugh. He looked down at his feet every so often while he continued singing. I hope all of the Archies of world can one day see this. Nobody should stop us from witnessing such a sight. Please David repeat this song in your welcome home concert in 2014.

When the song ended he said, “I like everyone to dance with me. In the U.S. they all stay still in their seats.”

SOMEDAY

It is a beautiful song in David’s silky voice. He sang in English. Throughout the concert he almost never closed his eyes. “Someday” is something worth listening to. He puts all of himself when he wants to convey something. The highs and lows of his voice have deepened considerably when singing a high note. There are no shadows on his face, no signs of effort, everything happens naturally. David has changed his stance when he sings too. There are times when you do not know how to describe. Hopefully I can find the words for the right time.

Like thousands of times before when reading a recap of some fans or watching a video of a concert, I was trying to get into their heads and feel what those people felt. So here I’m trying to do the same, trying to describe every little moment so you can see the grandeur of what I saw.

When “Someday” ended he received a standing ovation. We stood. The South Americans are very demonstrative and David knows this. He said, “I have to say goodbye, but when I say this, people usually say ‘one more, one more‘. How do they say in Spanish?”

One more, one more, one more, one more ………….

David said “Ok, ok, I will sing two more songs.”

“Thanks to life”

This song is very beautiful and is almost an anthem in my country. It was made famous by a famous a singer who has died, Mercedes Sosa. It was written by Violeta Parra, a Chilean artist, a great Chilean artist.

When the first chords played (Coello is amazing), I could not believe it. It’s only 17 seconds before the words start but I being from Argentina know this song perfectly. I do not know if I’m doing something good in this life, I just know I am getting many unexpected gifts. I closed my eyes and listened to David singing a song almost from Argentina. At the moment I came out of my trance I saw David smiling and looking at the music on the stand, he was afraid of forgetting some lines. When he finished I was sitting, I didn’t applaud, I wanted to freeze that moment forever. David said, “Uhhhhhhh seems that some of you know this song.”

David took his hymnal and sang the last hymn. There were no signs of fatigue, no heavy breathing, no lines on his face. He just had a great peace about him. He stood to the left and sang with all the emotion we know that David has, he closed his eyes and it was like he was telling us a prayer.

When he finished he came to center stage alongside Coello and thanked everyone. He said a few words, but I think I got lost in the moment. I only looked at David and my heart already began to miss him.

The same girl who assigned me my seat thanked all those present in the center Then she asked to give a hand for the Elders, for the President, Madam President and all those who had helped organize the concert. She invited us to participate in the Center’s activities. Meanwhile David and Coello remained standing behind her, not knowing what to do. She turned around and told them both to get off the stage and David laughed and left the stage. When he came into the room all the Elders present surrounded him. There was no way to approach him. They led him toward the exit and I could not follow.

Personal observations. (Very personal)

When David came on stage he wore a black suit, white shirt, black shoes and turquoise tie. His hair was combed back. An incredible vision.

When David the boss asked the question: Who wants to dance with me? (Not a simple question) we all stood up instantly, he did not insist and we danced with him.

This is for Archies worldwide, not only for American Archies. When David asks you to do something, it’s just that, a desire. And what mortal can deny David anything?

My only criticism is, David why didn’t you take off your coat?
I think if he did I would have missed my flight.I just wish that my words reflect what I lived that night. I hope to have conveyed some of the feelings, happiness, amazement and astonishment. I know my mom did not put me through literature classes in the summer in vain.

After this experience I think I was having an out of body experience hahahaha sorry, just had to say. What did David do? What could he have said???
Acto siguiente cantó ” hero ” en español, la versión de Mariah Carey, había tanta dulzura en su voz, acariciaba cada nota. Su español era perfecto y recibio casi una ovación. Nunca dejo de sonreir.

158 Responses to “KRAKATOA IN RANCAGUA ~ My Second Trip to Chile ~ David Archuleta”

Thank you very much Gladys for your wonderful summary of what happened in Chile! Your descriptions were so brilliantly done it was as if I was there too! I have been checking The Voice looking for your summary for the past several days and got lucky to be the first to read it (“,) I hope one day that I too will be given the chance to watch David perform live. God bless you always!

Thank you once again Gladys for sharing your fantastic experience in Chile. I’ve been waiting for this recap in days and excited to know the full story of David’s amazing performance last October. Your recap is absolutely wonderful. I felt like I was there watching the show too. I hope I could see him dancing salsa and throwing punches one day. Hahaha. Love you David so much.
Thanks djafan for the translation. Team TheVoice thank you too. :)

NorthCarolinaGirl♥Maryleesaid

Thanks so much Gladys for your in-depth recap of your experience seeing David once again. It was almost like being there and I felt your happiness & excitement. One thought that I know is shared by many of David’s fans over here in the States…we’ll be on our feet SO READY to dance with this remarkable young man every chance we get ~someone hold back the body guards..lol :) #DA2014

Abrrasaid

Gladys
You have done a wonderful job of capturing a magical night of music and song. It means so much because the entire fan base is missing David terribly. To know that he is being given the opportunity to share his gift while he is doing service to Heavenly Father, is a great comfort.

I see some new names coming in now to our site. Let me say this to all who visit :)

Be sure to check out Abrra’s Candy Jar near the top of the left side bar. Grab a handful mp3’s of David’s live performances for your iPod ;)

funfeesaid

Spiritsaid

Gladys…..Thank you so much for your AMAZING account of the concert!!! It was wonderfully written and you described every detail so perfectly. I really appreciate your generosity in sharing this beautiful experience with all of us.

roostersaid

((((((Gladys)))))) thank you so much for this! (and dja for translating!!) I have a feeling I will be coming back to read this over and over… and over! … I read this today and it really stuck with me: “God blesses us so that we can bless others.” love & hugs to all! ♥

stenocruisersaid

Thank you, Gladys! Fabulous recap — sounds like David is so well and happy and is doing just what he wants to do at this stage in his life. God bless him, and God bless you for taking us there with your descriptions and feelings. I am glad this article appeared after I arrived home from my cruise — can’t imagine what other cruisers in the very quiet internet cafe would have thought if they had seen me laughing and crying in front of the computer. Many thanks also to DJA for her translation.

Off topic — Our flight home was delayed a little — pilot announced he had been trumped by the President. Yes, Air Force One landed on the Fort Lauderdale tarmac not too far from us. Of course we didn’t see President Obama but my 7-year-old great-grandson had a good view of the plane — and added to all the other experiences on the ship — this will be an interesting entry in his Grade 2 journal.

One of the things I did when I got home was to immediately download Marlie’s book. Can’t wait to read it!

Gladys – Your recap was wonderful! I really felt like I was there, so detailed and clear. I was re-living it with you! It is apparent that David is comfortable in Chile, he and his voice are rested! He is among family and happy as he should be! I am so happy for him! What a blessing for you to be able to witness this and in turn bless us. We are blessed to be a blessing!

Dja: What more can I say besides thank you. You’ve lost sleep because of me, we’ve been online until dawn for this to be perfect and it was. You’ve checked every detail and found the perfect words in English. I know I have very Argentine expressions, but you’ve found the perfect way to make it sound universal.
I know I’m extravagant in a few paragraphs, but you know me well enough to interpret. Someday I hope to meet you in person and hug you.

Angelica, Abrra and Bebereader, thank you very much for the space, no site has given me carte blanche as you have done. That is something that is priceless.
My love, my commitment and loyalty will be yours forever, have no doubts about it.
Thanks for letting me share my experience and thank you for publishing it in Spanish, too.

THANKS.

poofsaid

Thank you Gladys! We can always feel your heart (and your humor) each time you post, but you outdid yourself! I, too, had been waiting for this and it was sure worth the wait! Thank you so much Dja for the wonderful translation.

Yes, you’re da bomb, Gladys, for being brave and taking a plane alone for the first time, for going to an event that had age requirements, for coming to The Voice Unplugged and sharing all the details with us in real time, for writing an awesome recap for us to read. We’re your captive audience and we appreciate all your efforts! Muchas Gracias, mi amiga! ((((abrazos))))

Steno: WELCOME HOME!

blueskysaid

“David then sang “What a Wonderful World.” Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that David would sing this song. My dad loved Louis Armstrong. I still have his records. David sang the final note, yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhh, the way the Great Satchmo ended the song. I hope someone knows what I’m talking about. David smiled all the time while looking at us; I think he was watching our reactions. I was on the edge of my seat trying to be a sponge. I wanted to absorb every detail, every little movement, every smile. At the end of the song he said, “Thank you” and we all applauded but could not quell our cries of admiration.” ”

Thank you, so very much Gladys for taking the time to share all of this with us! You are a gem and totally deserved to have a seat there at the center to hear David for us. I am so very glad that you took the chance and were able to go. Thank you to you and to all those who help you to connect with so many of us here at the Voice!

As I read your recap (I can just start with this small bit… sooo very much is there to make me wonder!) I was first struck with this quote from you above. As I understand it, this “Wonderful World” was the first song DA sang that was “crossing-the-line” as it were between genres a little bit. I mean, you have “You Raise Me Up”, then some classic piano, then two hymns… and then Satchmo. Now, Mr. Satchmos’ Wonderful World could have been sung kinda like: You Raise Me Up. But you say he was watching the audience…. oooooooh my. I know that look. Testing the waters. He knows he has some dynamite coming up and he is checking the response: are we awake? will we notice that he may shift gears on us? How much can he get away with? (Let’s face it: everything!!) Just how much fun can he allow himself to have with us? (Erm… Dear DA: we have no idea. You pass every boundary. We have died and come back so many times that we have decided that you are the human incarnation of NDiamonds “Traveling Salvation Show”.)

I LOVE it when DA gets that look that he gets when HE is watching US! (stupor: us, I mean ((Here we thought that we came to watch him and by the time we find out differently…. it is too late.))…. “I see a light… I feel HaPpY…. *_* ((Finding Nemo)) )

So when you say that you got the feeling that DA was “watching you all”… yup. Got it. And I would LOVE to have heard/seen him sing that last bluesy note you speak of, that yeaaaaaahhhhhhh, at the end of Wonderful World.

Sounds to me like he was mildly testing the waters he was gently backing you all into. It is just that with DA – it never feels like there is a “wading pool” or “shallow end”. How do you call for help when the gentleman you thought was the life-guard is the one smiling at you in the deep end?

I guess you feel that, after all – It’s a Wonderful World.

jans11said

Gladys, so loved your recap!♥ It was worth the wait. It was just like I was there with you watching our mega international singing star!!! And thanks to you, Djafan for the translations. You are such a dedicated fan that works hard to help all us fans to read the best stories ever!

blueskysaid

bebereadersaid

One of my most favorite songs EVER, “Go The Distance” from the Disney movie “Hercules” was originally sung by Michael Bolton. I intentionally went for Regine Velasquez’ version since she is one of David’s favorite singers.

Gladys, You are so lucky to have been witness to David singing this song. I have hoped for years (well, five years lol) that he would sing this. I can only imagine how it felt to sit in that audience.

Lyrics below. I think this song was well chosen and indicative of where David is in his life right now.

Lyrics

I have often dreamed, of a far off place
Where a hero’s welcome, would be waiting for me
Where the crowds will cheer, when they see my face
And a voice keeps saying, this is where I’m meant to be

I’ll be there someday, I can go the distance
I will find my way, if I can be strong
I know ev’ry mile, will be worth my while
When I go the distance, I’ll be right where I belong

Down an unknown road, to embrace my fate
Though that road may wander, it will lead me to you
And a thousand years, would be worth the wait
It might take a lifetime, but somehow I’ll see it through

And I won’t look back, I can go the distance
And I’ll stay on track, no, I won’t accept defeat
It’s an uphill slope, but I won’t lose hope
Till I go the distance, and my journey is complete

But to look beyond the glory is the hardest part
For a hero’s strength is measured by his heart

Like a shooting star, I will go the distance
I will search the world, I will face its’ harms
I don’t care how far, I can go the distance
Till I find my hero’s welcome, waiting in your arms

Heidijoysaid

Oh My What a Celebration!! Thank you Gladys for sharing your memories of preparing and going to David’s concert. It was thrilling that night of the concert when you stopped by the Chat and now to give us all the details of being there and giving us the list of songs again. I appreciate DJfan for doing the translate it for us.
Loved your responses Bluesky and Bebe with the You tubes. Yes Bluesky I know what you are talking about when you you refer to Louie’s “Oh Yeah”. Thanks for adding “Go the Distance”
I love David’s depth and how these songs fit in with his thoughts and of course his Talent.
Like others, I’ll be re reading this more than once and checking out You tubes of all the songs.
Blessings to Gladys, Djfan, the Voice and all the fans.

Gladys, you’ve taken me on your journey as if I had a front row seat! Thank you so much for every word!
It is so good to hear how happy David is performing again! Makes my heart swell thinking of 2014…

Colleensaid

OMGosh…thank you to Gladys for sharing, and for all the work in translating. Soooooooo much fun to read this! #DA2014 concerts are gonna be unbelievable! LUV Gladys’s remark…”I have run out of names for volcanoes!” :)

blueskysaid

emmegirl14said

Just a quick “hang-in-there” to everyone affected by Sandy and its’ aftermath, thinking of you.

Gladys, your perseverance and determination paid off, and we are the lucky recipients. I’ll love reading this over and over. You have been a much needed conduit, and we are so grateful.

As I read from one paragraph to the next it seems like you must have dreamed it – it couldn’t have been real. I just can’t imagine being right there, in front of him, and witnessing it. I would have stumbled out of there dazed and bruised from pinching myself.

(an official song list – very nice!)

bluesky, “Sounds to me like he was mildly testing the waters he was gently backing you all into. It is just that with DA – it never feels like there is a “wading pool” or “shallow end”. How do you call for help when the gentleman you thought was the life-guard is the one smiling at you in the deep end?”….lol, loooove this!

blueskysaid

Abrrasaid

I have noticed some saying they have had a problem with logging into this site. Usually it is around the times when WordPress does maintenance. I want to suggest that you use the “forgot my password” feature and follow the directions. They should send you an email with a link to the page where you can create a new password. Once you have your new password you should be able to get back to commenting. If you still have a problem, email me at thevoiceda@gmail.com I will try to help.

Thank you Gladys for the detailed recap of your wonderful journey and Djafan for the English translation. I’ve been anxiously waiting for this moment. As always, you have brought us with you in the center of Elder Archuleta’s world to get a glimpse of his life as a missionary. It is definitely comforting to know that he is in such a good place, happy and enjoying what he loves to do most. Am looking forward to another adventure with you in December. Hint! Hint!

betsysaid

Gladys, you lovely writer you!
Thanks for all the details. I can see and almost hear him through your words. ♥
I’ve been having issues getting onto the site (not logging on, just loading the site) or I would have commented earlier.

fenfansaid

Gladys you are the most amazing woman ever!!! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Thank you for taking us to Rancagua with your vivid description punctuated with humour and the requisite fangirling. I believe you were David’s special guest and he sang Gracias A La Vida especially for you.
Muchas gracias Gladys for writing this recap, thank you Djafan for translating it and thank you The Voice for posting it. I will be reading the recap over and over again!!!
I will now go youtubing for all the songs listed so that I can imagine David singing them as I watch the videos.
Looking forward to the Christmas concert in December and to our reporter extraordinaire telling us all about it!!! Videos please!!!!

kayceesaid

(((Gladys))) Standing ovation for your amazing “literary performance”! What an amazing gift to all of us. Thank you for all the little details and descriptions…it really made us feel like we were right there beside you.

Djafan, kudos to you as well for all your hard work.

And Bluesky, the whole pool, lifeguard, deep end analogy…brilliant!

tawna21said

Oh Gladys! Thank you a million times and more!! Your recap has put me right there with you on Row 4, Center. I just can’t imagine being there! I would probably find myself still there in that seat trying to figure out what just happened. Kind of like the volcano’s lava turned me to stone and there I sit. I can’t even fathom hearing David’s silky, lower register, flow out ‘It’s A Wonderful World” ♥

Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for all the love and hard work you put into this much anticipated recap. I think maybe the President prayed about it after your conversation with him and received an answer and that’s where the miracle came. By blessing you, He has blessed us all. I just have to say right here and now that I am so proud of David I could almost burst! He has so much courage and heart! ♥ It was thrilling to read about his confidence and joy on stage too! I had a sappy smile on my face the whole time I was reading and I bet I’m not the only one. We all would have made a dive for the hat, I think. He definitely keeps us young and just WAIT till he gets home….we will show him we are dancing fools! haha. I want “What a Wonderful World”, and lots of Spanish songs and Salsa and please, please, let him sing and perform boxing moves to “Eye of the Tiger” cause I think that would just about make my LIFE! Oh my.

Gladys – thanks for the lovely recap. It makes me long for David to come home and get up on the stage and sing his heart out! I’m just glad he is keeping that voice in shape while gone. That was one of my worries – not any longer!

Abrrasaid

Rubi
I’ll be happy to make a copy. Just post the performance you want. It takes 5 sec. Lol. Thank you for noticing it was missing. I tend to throw things in the jar as they are requested. I have a ton to add once I decide to get organized. :) There is a folder on my desktop that has a few things I will be adding.

Abrra
I blame all errors on my iphone

blueskysaid

“By blessing you, He has blessed us all. I just have to say right here and now that I am so proud of David I could almost burst! He has so much courage and heart! ♥ It was thrilling to read about his confidence and joy on stage too! I had a sappy smile on my face the whole time I was reading and I bet I’m not the only one.”

Gladys from Argentina Rancagua experience is being read all over the world. David’s Archangels are happy and not going anywhere :)

I want to thank Angelica, Abrra and Bebe for their hard work in putting this all together. This was truly a team effort.

Just so you all know Christmas is coming and rumor has it that it’s going to be epic in Chile :)

Love the videos posted. I listened to IAWF by Armstrong and cried at the thought of hearing David sing this live.

This one will need David fans to prepare to dance! David singing and dancing LVEUC has to be requirement for his DA2014 tour. The lyrics to this song make it a perfect David choice. I put them below the video.

Lets get ready!!!

ENGLISH:
Everyone out there that thinks that life is unfair,
Needs to know that’s not the case,
Because life is beautiful, you just have to live it.
Everyone out there that thinks they are alone and they are unhappy
Needs to know that’s not the case,
Because in life no one is alone, there is always someone
-Oh, there’s no need to cry, because life is a carnival,
-It’s more beautiful to live singing.
-Oh, there’s no need to cry,
-For life is a carnival
-And your pains can be alleviated through song. (x2)
Everyone out there that thinks that life is always harsh,
Needs to know that’s not the case,
That there are just bad times, and it will all pass.
Everyone out there, that thinks that this will never change,
Needs to know that’s not the case,
The bad times will turn, it will all pass.
-Oh, there’s no need to cry, because life is a carnival,
-It’s more beautiful to live singing.
-Oh, there’s no need to cry,
-For life is a carnival
-And your pains can be alleviated through song. (x2)
-Carnival

It’s for laughing
-There’s no need to cry
For enjoying
-Carnival
For having fun
-One must live singing
-Carnival
Life is a carnival
-There’s no need to cry
Everyone can sing
-Carnival
Oh, men
-One must live singing
-carnival
Everyone out there that thinks
-There’s no need to cry
that life is always harsh
-Carnival
Will never be alone
-One must live singing
God is with him

For those that complain forever.
For those that only critisize.
For those that use weapons.
For those that pollute us.
For those that make war.
For those that live in sin.
For those that mistreat us.
For those that make us sick.

Spiritsaid

I wanted to add my appreciation to djafan and the voice staff for all their assistance in bringing Gladys’ concert recap here for our enjoyment. In my dazed state, I neglected to do that the first time!

Hmmm…..just wondering. When did David have time to learn and practice the beautiful inspirational songs that he did at the concert?….It’s a Wonderful World……Go the Distance…….Could these be some additional songs that were recorded for a BEGIN 2? Don’t know when he would have had the time to record even more music before he left on his mission, but the thought is intriguing. Keeping my fingers crossed for new music in 2013….even though I feel greedy saying that!

Glady, thank you for the great recap :) your happiness and excited jumped out from my screen :) , so happy for you and thanks for taking us along, so good to know David is happy and in his element, God bless :)

Dja, thank you for taking your time to translate it for us, you make us who don’t know Spanish very very happy. You made such a good team :)

The Voice, thank you for doing this and everything else for the fans :)

MTsaid

Your story is wonderful!! I loved how detailed you were about what happened, and how you felt. I am so happy for you. I would love to quote my favorite parts, but I would have to include it all. What a blessing for you to be there to dance and sing with David!!

You have a beautiful way of telling your story. I could picture it all as I read. Thanks again for sharing … and for bringing us to Chile with you. ♥

emmegirl14said

collegemom, the pleasure was mine. the whole time I was sitting next to this lady, I look into her eyes and I saw so much sincerity, sweetness, ahhhhhh and besides being a beautiful lady, she understood my Spanglish jajajaj.
Mr. Collegemom is fun, he listened with much love everything she said. A beautiful couple.
At the end of dinner, we hugged and I kissed her on the cheek, I will miss her.

stenocruisersaid

Gladys and collegemom — How wonderful for both of you (and Mr. CM). Isn’t it amazing what happens because of David? You must have had the very best chat about our guy and probably a ton of other stuff too. This is so heartwarming!

Collegemom and Gladys!! So happy you got together. Nice to have Mr.Collegemom too :)) Just thrilled you made this connection.
Still enjoying re reading your experience Gladys.
Thanks Djfan for the Salsa video and Carnival lyrics. will practice :)

bebereadersaid

Gladys and collegemom speak two different languages but that wasn’t an issue because they understood each other through their love for one special young man who has no idea how much good he brings to the world each day. Bravo for fanventions, no matter how large or small. Bravo for David fans!

Oh Gladys!♥ what a beautiful recap!!!♥ I was reading, and smiling, and getting goosebumps, all at the same time! Thank you for sharing in such wonderful detail! It is so wonderful to know how well and happy David is.

So happy you got to meet up with collegemom♥and Mr Collegemom:))) too That is so awesome

hazelsaid

Awww Gladys! Thank you for your wonderful recap! And also to the translators! I have been lurking around the archu-world and this is my first time to comment because I just have to thank each and everyone of you for keeping the flames burning for us. I hope I will also meet David in person someday… Hugz & kisses!

Abrrasaid

@DavidArchie We all need “a little’ Rainbow right now. Here is a preview of the Rainbow MV —> youtu.be/UtU4ywcRpfc (KS)

Published on Nov 8, 2012 by David Archuleta

We all need “a little’ Rainbow right now. Here is a preview of the Rainbow Music Video that will be available on the upcoming Expanded Edition of Forevermore out SOON in the Philippines and available for import to most areas.

mlpb3said

MTsaid

O.M.G.! What have I been missing? That Rainbow MV is gonna be sending the fanbase over the edge. He is gorgeous in it. Gorgeous times three! I don’t know which David to watch. And I like the drum beat of the song.

stenocruisersaid

Chile Rancagua Mission invites you and your whole family to a Christmas Musical Devotional especially for families with Elders Archuleta and Coello, a choir, and his friends. The devotional will be held at the following locations and times:

We hope you and your entire family to come to this free Christmas Musical Devotional and invite their friends and families.

Because many people will participate, PLEASE, TO BOOK A PLACE FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS FAMILY, need to register using the form provided below. After filling, Buton PRESS “SEND” and Roden insure themselves BELOW FOR NOT HAVING ERRORS AND SENT OUT YOUR RESERVATION.
NO RESERVED SEATS, BUT PLEASE JOIN THIS SITE so we know who’s coming. THANKS

Hope to see you and be with you to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Booking Form, Musical Christmas Devotional
Family Name *
First
Last
Choose the center where they will attend *

I’m not a Mormon, so please forgive me for asking this question. Do Mormons really do this kind of musical events during their missions? Or are they only doing this in Rancagua because Elders Archuleta and Coello are over there? Sorry if it sounds “Duuuhhhh”! :-))

blueskysaid

Hi! Every mission is different, because every mission has a different Mission Pres., is in a different country, has different resources, etc.
My sons friend served a mission in a South American country a couple of years ago. He is a talented pianist. His mission president allowed him to give a couple of concerts for members and their friends (always free of charge). One of the political leaders in the country heard about the concerts. He suggested that the missionary be allowed to go to several areas around the country and give concerts to the general public – because he thought it would be good for the youth of the country to see this type of person/example. I do not know the details, but I was told that an agreement was made between the official in charge and the mission president. My understanding is that he gave several concerts.

Of course that was always with approval and always with a companion. But I do know he had a lot of fun!

There are probably many talented young men and women out there on missions. But it would totally depend on the particular situation and Mission Pres. as to how or if their talents might be used in this way. I believe the Rancagua mission is amazing with what they are doing. It could be difficult to balance the costs/benefits (not money-wise!) for the missionary. The Pres. wants to share the message of the gospel, but he also needs to care for the safety and well-being of the missionaries in his charge. He must think DA can handle it. ^_^

LDS really support music and the arts. And… it may not be a “coincidence” that Elder Coello is there at the same time as DA. Would DA be able to do all this so easily w/o such a great partner? Or the support of the other missionaries? Anyway you look at it – it is amazing!!

I almost can’t believe his and our good fortune!!

jans11said

#100 Abrra that is 5:29 of Some Kind of Wonderful!!♥♥ Thank you..thank you! I have tried to preorder the new cd and can’t. When I click on “preorder”, it takes me to a whole new page where there is nothing about David Archuleta! I’ve tried about 10 times to no avail! What am I doing wrong??

Collegemom and Gladys…it is so much fun for fans to get together to talk over old memories and make new ones. David has the greatest fans!

I need to win the lottery so we can all go to Chile!!!!! This Christmas will be awesome again, even if I can’t be there this time!

Thanks Bluesky for your explanation. As a Mission President, it makes sense to use the talents of your missionaries to share the message of the gospel. Why not? Right? They become positive role models for other people, too. I’m really happy that David gets to do the two things he love most…mission and music! Whooaahh! That sounds good! Maybe, David should use “Mission and Music” as the title of his comeback concert in 2014. LOL!

jans11said

Abrra, I did log in and still had the same problem. I sent a comment to customer service and they are to get back to me. I have never confronted this situation before..very puzzling (and maddening!) Thanks so much.

mlpb3said

So glad David will be doing multiple concerts at Christmas. Wonder if he’ll sing “This Christmas”. Would love to be there, but I know our sweet Gladys will and will let us know all the details! If word is getting out about these two talented elders, they may have to add performances!! I don’t believe it was a coincidence that Elder Coello ended up in the same mission as Elder Archuleta!

betsysaid

Just wanted to stop in and say hello to everyone. So HELLO everybody!
(working a few crazy overnights, unusual for me. I don’t know which end is up)
Enjoying Rainbow. More than his original. That scratchy beginning is gone. It drove me crazy. :)

Gladys, I know I’m late, but just want to thank you for your wonderful recap. I loved every word and loved living it through your eyes. He is missed terribly, but it’s so great to hear he is happy and being able to use his talents while he is away from us.

My life is crazy right now, but It’s good that I can come here and get to smile with the rest of you on what’s happening with DA. Can’t wait to see the full video of Rainbow. I’ve got me CD ordered and will be so glad when it shows up in my mail.

Blueberry Icesaid

Hola Gladys! You did such a fantastic job in summarizing such an incredible experience! ♥ I was spellbound by all the mesmerizing details and didn’t want it to end! So glad you got to meet Collegemom. Aren’t fan gatherings just the best? Thank you so much for sharing!

So nice to see new names & of course everyone else too! Well I meant to comment a lot earlier but couldn’t pull myself away from a certain snippet. I blame all mental daze on that man in a certain Rainbow MV, lol!

Betsy; Sweet; Sky; Can certainly relate to crazy schedules … thank goodness that David has left so many surprises for us!

Is it just me or does You Tube not keep accurate count of the number of views? My views alone should cause those numbers to increase exponentially, haha!

bebereadersaid

Hey Blueberry Ice, I’ve been noticing that about YouTube videos too. I don’t think they update very often, or as often as we’d like.

I have to say that I’m so used to David being around at the holiday season for the last three years and was feeling kinda gloomy at the thought of him being away this year. Call me spoiled, it’s okay. I know he left us with not one but two glorious Christmas albums to feast on. But now the holiday season is starting to look better this year with the news of the mini tour in Chile!

Regarding the random tweets about David, he sure leaves an impression on people wherever he goes, not that I’m at all surprised. :)

blueskysaid

I have no idea how YouTube selects the vid links that it displays as “related” in the window after a video ends. Sometimes “random” doesn’t even do it justice. However, it seems that after a vid gets several thousand ‘hits’ a more defined pattern begins to emerge.

So it was with both relief and a sense of amusement that I noted this change to the links at the end of DA’s new Rainbow 2.0 sneak peek, on YouTube: out of the nine links displayed, six are links to other recent DA videos that were made just before his mission. That is appropriate and nice.

The other three made me smile: One is a link to Miley’s bacherette party depicting a couple of hunks w/o shirts. The other two? One is a link to Battle Star Galactica and the other is a Star Wars vid.

Whether intentional or not, I think we can all agree that DA is looking rather grown up and more or less out-of-this-world.

Hahaha! Blueberry, that snippet had me at the first second !He has some nerve, looking right smack dab into the camera like that!!(can we get a ‘snippet’ screamcap?)

Bebe, this mini tour is going to make the holiday season so much sweeter, knowing David will be singing the music he loves,
I can’t imagine anything else better than that for the holidays ahead, for David and those who will be there listening to him like our. GLADYS! woo hoo!
Gladys,
Did you ever dream you would be our ‘on the ground” reporter? ,our foreign corespondent? What you have shared with us of your experience has given excitement and joy to David Archuleta fans, all over the world.. I am happy beyond words that it turned out to be you ♥ love you Gladys.

emmegirl14said

My moments of madness include the second half of Angelica’s first second – head down/dancing, :04 the from the eyelids down shot, all three beautiful frames :21-:22 mark. And then there is the humming.

(and my special thanks to the genius who gave us the 3-frame bodyshot/headshot/closeup format)

emmegirl14said

emmegirl14said

Well, must have gremlins – trying to post a video from MKOC and then the Jakarta concert but the same one keeps coming up. Maybe their trying to tell me something – after 2 hours of being stuck in the vortex, time to call it a night. Night all.

bebereadersaid

This is probably my favorite performance of our country’s National Anthem, from The Stadium of Fire, one year ago. From the beginning of the song to the very end, David’s voice on this gives me chills and makes me proud to be an American.

Been away on a great cruise and am catching up with all the wonderful David Archuleta fansite. What a treat to read the great recap from Gladys, thank you.
So excited to come back to a sneak peek at the fun Rainbow mv remix.

betsysaid

Hi all. :)
Abs, I loved your Veterans tribute. <3
(I spent all day with my veteran, watching movies (love, love, loe Moonrise Kingdom) and the Band of Brothers marathon, his favorite.
I also looked through some of David's newest followers on Twitter. Was surprised to see how many
self described "one directioners" are following him. :)
I know this was a strange thing to do, but I couldn't help it. I can NEVER load this site on my computer (or it takes 20-30 minutes to do so) anymore, not for the past month or so. :( If I comment, it's via my phone. I've cleaned up files so that's not the issue. I didn't even have a lot since last spring's computer meltdown. I guess I'm just saying that I might not be around, but I really am around. That, and I see a new computer in the future. :)
I blame everything on the PC.

emmegirl14said

betsysaid

Aww bluesky & emme <3
I'll be here, I just don't like commenting with my phone. Too many typos escape my notice! And then I am horrified and can think of nothing else.
Maybe an early Christmas present to myself (and husband) (lololol at that) is in order.

jans11said

140 Thanks Emme for all the great videos. Don’t know if it helps my ODD or makes me miss him more! Just “hanging in there” Have to wait whether I want to or not!♥

142 Abrra Very nice Poem. Hope everyone had a relaxing Veterans Day! My dad was in the Navy and my late hubby was in the Army. Our 1st daughter was born while we serving in the 2nd draft where Pres. Kennedy called all reservists in because of the Berlin/Cuban crisis.

146 MT I love “Raising Helen”! So funny. But I doubt if David ever bubble wrapped! haha

148 Bebe So love this one too! David has a way with patriotic songs doesn’t he?!♥

151 CQ Welcome Back! Glad you had a good time and didn’t meet up with Hurricane Sandy!

152 Betsy Hope you get a new computer soon! 20-30 min to get in here is just not right!

It’s photobucket. If you load those sidebar photos directly into your WordPress Media library, the whole site will load 10 times faster. I watch photobucket loading, loading, loading. I can load the site, but photobucket is still doing its thing even after I can start commenting.